Dear Editor,

It is hard to put into words the deep appreciation we feel for having so many wonderful people in Oakdale help make our toy drive a success.

On behalf of the Oakdale Police Department, Save Mart, Family Support Network and ROTA we would like to thank the community and the sponsors that supported us with our first Toy Drive. It was a success due to the generous giving and support from the community, including but not limited to the citizens of Oakdale, Sunrise Rotary, Oakdale Rotary, Odd Fellows Lodge #228, Oakdale Model A Club, Dr. Blackhart’s office, Oakdale Ladies Golf Association, Police Officer’s Association, volunteers from Oakdale Police Department (CAPS and Explorers), Family Support Network, Mr. Pickles and staff for lunch, Starbuck’s East F St. for coffee and all of those that wanted to give and help by making monetary donations or giving of their time.

Our effort was also a success because of the following businesses who allowed us to place a collection box in their establishment: Oakdale Leader, Oakdale City Hall, Save Mart, Oakdale Chamber of Commerce, Family Support Network, Fire Department on G Street and South Willowood, Oakdale Pet Station, Bordona’s Furniture and Appliance, Oakdale Flowers and Gifts and Rich Tassinari’s Allstate office. For those that I may have missed, please know that we appreciate all you have done for our community. With all of this local generosity, we were able to distribute approximately 500 toys to Oakdale families.

It was truly an amazing experience to head this toy drive and have the opportunity to work with so many wonderful people to make this Christmas special for the children that may not have had a Christmas in Oakdale.

I can really say from the bottom of my heart that, as a community, we did come together and made it possible because WE CARE and the BRIDGES OF SERVICE connected us all for the good of our community.

Much Heartfelt Appreciation,

Ann Farmer